Reporters’ Notebook

OLAF FUB SEZ: According to British poet Robert Browning, born on this date in 1812, “Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for?”

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SMART AND SMARTER – Extend the reach of your brain power by taking the spring admission test for Mensa, the international organization for smart people, at 10 a.m. Saturday in Room 210 in the E.H. Butler Library at SUNY Buffalo State, 1300 Elmwood Ave.

Fee is $40. Photo ID is required. Anyone 14 and older is welcome, but those under 18 need parental permission. Walk-ins are OK, but it’s better if you call Jaclyn McKewan at 472-1422 or email testing@wny.us.mensa.org. For info, visit www.us.mensa.org.

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MYSTERIOUS MALADY – Because it affects the mechanism that generates energy for our cells, mitochondrial disease can take many forms, some more devastating than others. A program sponsored by the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation will provide insights into the disorder at a question-and-answer session from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Elmwood Franklin School, 104 New Amsterdam Ave.

Leading the discussion will be Dr. Julian Ambrus Jr., a rheumatologist and specialist in allergy and immunology at the Buffalo General Medical Center Clinic. Free admission.

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TICKET TO RIDE – Take points off your driver’s license and dollars off your car insurance bill by attending one of the six-hour state-certified courses for motorists from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in Kenmore Mercy Hospital, 2950 Elmwood Ave., Town of Tonawanda, or Days Hotel Buffalo Airport, 4345 Genesee St., Cheektowaga.

Those who complete the course will remove four points from their licenses and receive a 10 percent discount on their auto policies for the next three years. Seating is limited. To register, call 636-4151 or toll- free (800) 232-0235.

Tasters can sample from more than 30 types of soup, adding a donation for each one they try, and purchase a bowl after they decide on a favorite. The soup that collects the most money will win the People’s Choice title. Professional judges also will award a prize.

All proceeds go to the Lily’s Hope Center in WCA Hospital, Jamestown, which offers wigs, scarves, hats, turbans and caps to help women who lose their hair while undergoing cancer treatment. The center has assisted more than 150 women since it opened in November 2010. For info or to make a donation, call Katherine “Blanche” Milliman at 269-9024.

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DOING LUNCH – The Variety Women of Buffalo will hold their monthly luncheon and meeting at 11:30 a.m. May 17 in the Variety Banquet Hall, 6114 Broadway, Lancaster. Reservations are needed by Sunday. Call Geri Maraschiello at 826-0975.

ONE LUMP OR TWO? – Treat mom to a Mother’s Day Tea on Saturday in the Victorian setting of the Hull Family Home and Farmstead, 5962 Genesee St. at Pavement Road, Lancaster. There will be two seatings – at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tea sandwiches, scones and petit desserts will be served.

Cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children under 10, but it’s not recommended for very young children. Reservations are a must. Call 741-7032. Tours of the home and farm will be available from noon to 4:30. All proceeds benefit restoration efforts.

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FIRE IT UP – Stock up on supplies for the grill Friday evening at the barbecue meat raffle sponsored by Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish and Madonna Council, Knights of Columbus, in the Knights of Columbus Hall, 755 Erie Ave., North Tonawanda.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. First spin is at 7:30. Admission is $5 and includes a sandwich, table snacks and refreshments. Only those 21 and older can attend. For tickets and info, call Fred Skretny at 694-7046.